The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Amasenibo Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, has assented to the Bonny Local Government Transportation Bye-Law No. 3 of 2026, replacing the 23-year-old legislation enacted in 2002.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bonny Local Government Council, Amb. Wisdom Chapp-Jumbo, ANIPR.
The new law establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for transportation in the area, covering road and marine transportation, as well as airport and aviation-related ground transportation.
Sponsored by the Chief Whip of the 10th Bonny Legislative Council and Councillor representing Ward 4, Hon. Edwin Uriah Benstowe, the bill was passed by the council on September 25, 2026.
Presenting the bill for the chairman’s assent, the Leader of the Bonny Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Tammy Jumbo, said the previous bye-law had become inadequate after more than two decades, as it focused primarily on marine transportation and motorcycle operations.
He explained that the amendment was necessary to reflect changing transportation needs and promote safety, accountability, orderly operations and compliance with relevant regulations.
Jumbo said the new legislation would capture significant aspects of transportation within Bonny Local Government Area in the interest of residents.
In his remarks, Chairman Pepple commended members of the 10th Bonny Legislative Council for their legislative work, describing his collaboration with the lawmakers as a privilege.
“I count myself very lucky to work with the best Local Government parliamentarians in Rivers State. I commend the Legislative Assembly because, when you have the right team, you achieve robust results,” he said.
Pepple noted that the review of the 2002 bye-law underscored the need for responsive legislation that keeps pace with changing circumstances and the aspirations of residents.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making decisions in the public interest to improve the quality of life in the local government area.
Key provisions of the new bye-law include the establishment of the Bonny Local Government Transportation Management Authority, the Bonny Investment Promotion Committee, and the Bonny Road Transport and Decongestion Committee.
The legislation also provides for the regulation and management of road transportation, marine transportation, and airport and aviation-related ground transportation within the local government area.
The assent to the 2026 Transportation Bye-Law marks a step towards updating Bonny Local Government’s transportation regulations to address emerging needs and changing realities.
